A 27-year-old Savannah man has been taken into
custody after shooting and hitting another vehicle Wednesday morning on I-29
near St. Joseph.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports Amouir
Standiford has been charged with one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon.
Standiford is being held in the Buchanan County jail on $10,000 bond.

The patrol reports a vehicle was damaged but no one
was hurt.

The patrol says the St. Joseph Police Department
alerted it to reports that shots had been fired on northbound I-29 near mile
marker 49 around eight o’clock Wednesday morning.

Troopers took Standiford into custody. The
investigation continues.

This article has been updated since first published.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737112319976.png" alt="Amouir Standiford/Buchanan County Sheriff's Office photo" />
 <figcaption>Amouir Standiford/Buchanan County Sheriff's Office photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostA 27-year-old Savannah man has been taken into
custody after shooting and hitting another vehicle Wednesday morning on I-29
near St. Joseph.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports Amouir
Standiford has been charged with one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon.
Standiford is being held in the Buchanan County jail on $10,000 bond.The patrol reports a vehicle was damaged but no one
was hurt.The patrol says the St. Joseph Police Department
alerted it to reports that shots had been fired on northbound I-29 near mile
marker 49 around eight o’clock Wednesday morning.Troopers took Standiford into custody. The
investigation continues.This article has been updated since first published.

UPDATE:  MSHP releases identity in I-29 road rage shooting

An important step has been cleared in the redesign of the I-229 double decker bridge in downtown St. Joseph.  

Missouri Department of Transportation District Design Engineer Shannon Kusilek says the findings by the federal highway commission that the proposed realignment would have of no significant environmental impact is a big step. 

"Moving forward now that means we can use that alignment, and we can start looking to work on a project to replace the existing bridge, as per the preferred alternate, and move forward with that," Kusilek tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  

Kusilek says the next step will be to get the project designated as a design-build project with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission. 

"There's some things we have to do like risk analysis assessment and determine some of the things we need to look at, and identify a team to lead the project, it will be a project director and a few other staff members to lead the project," Kusilek explains. "And then, once we get that approved as a design-build project, then the first item of business would probably be to start working on getting design-build teams together and ideally then de-designating I-229 as an interstate." 

Kusilek says there is still funding needed for the project, and there is no set timeline at this time 

"I think in the next five years it's quite possible this is going to move forward with construction, probably sometime maybe in that five-year time frame," Kusilek says.  "The whole process for the design-build, to get that team going does take a couple years for that process, and then they'll have to start with their proposals and then actually start the construction, I'd say five years is quite possible and maybe sometime within the next five years." 

The alternative plan for I-229 is to move the road to four lanes rather than the current double decker bridge. It would also lose its interstate designation and become a federal highway. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680807589405.jpeg" alt="I-229 Double decker overpass/ File photo" />
 <figcaption>I-229 Double decker overpass/ File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post An important step has been cleared in the redesign of the I-229 double decker bridge in downtown St. Joseph. Missouri Department of Transportation District Design Engineer Shannon Kusilek says the findings by the federal highway commission that the proposed realignment would have of no significant environmental impact is a big step. "Moving forward now that means we can use that alignment, and we can start looking to work on a project to replace the existing bridge, as per the preferred alternate, and move forward with that," Kusilek tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. Kusilek says the next step will be to get the project designated as a design-build project with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission. "There's some things we have to do like risk analysis assessment and determine some of the things we need to look at, and identify a team to lead the project, it will be a project director and a few other staff members to lead the project," Kusilek explains. "And then, once we get that approved as a design-build project, then the first item of business would probably be to start working on getting design-build teams together and ideally then de-designating I-229 as an interstate." Kusilek says there is still funding needed for the project, and there is no set timeline at this time "I think in the next five years it's quite possible this is going to move forward with construction, probably sometime maybe in that five-year time frame," Kusilek says. "The whole process for the design-build, to get that team going does take a couple years for that process, and then they'll have to start with their proposals and then actually start the construction, I'd say five years is quite possible and maybe sometime within the next five years." The alternative plan for I-229 is to move the road to four lanes rather than the current double decker bridge. It would also lose its interstate designation and become a federal highway. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

I-229 reconfiguration takes big step forward

Missouri Western State University
President Elizabeth Kennedy says the university based in St. Joseph has
undergone a significant transformation over the last five years.

“To really take a focus on that important
intersection between what students’ interests are, what they want to pursue,
and what our region, our community, our state needs in terms of workforce,”
Kennedy tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.

Kennedy, who taught in the classroom and
recruited for 17 years, says students once told her they attended college to
learn.

“If you go up to prospective students of
any age, right, and/or their families and you ask the same question, ‘Why do
you want to go to college?’ the answer that you get back is something to the
effect of I want to see what I can earn? How much money am I going to make?”

Kennedy says though the change in the
answer has changed the core values of Missouri Western have not.

“But what we’ve done is to shift our
value proposition to demonstrate here’s the tangible outcome,” Kennedy says.

Kennedy says the university has had to
adjust to changes in student attitudes and suggests higher education embrace
the change.

“Higher education is not a static
entity,” according to Kennedy. “If it’s not dynamic, if it’s not reflective of
what societal needs are, then what’s the purpose of it?”

Kennedy says the university now must
assure students a degree has tangible benefits and assure the greater St.
Joseph area that Missouri Western students will contribute to the regional
economy.

“When I talk about making sure that the
university is lined up with what students and their families and the school
districts and our community and our business and industry are looking for to
advance that’s what’s going to keep us relevant.”

Kennedy says this is just the latest in
the ongoing debate about the proper role of higher education.

You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri Western State University
President Elizabeth Kennedy says the university based in St. Joseph has
undergone a significant transformation over the last five years.“To really take a focus on that important
intersection between what students’ interests are, what they want to pursue,
and what our region, our community, our state needs in terms of workforce,”
Kennedy tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.Kennedy, who taught in the classroom and
recruited for 17 years, says students once told her they attended college to
learn.“If you go up to prospective students of
any age, right, and/or their families and you ask the same question, ‘Why do
you want to go to college?’ the answer that you get back is something to the
effect of I want to see what I can earn? How much money am I going to make?”Kennedy says though the change in the
answer has changed the core values of Missouri Western have not.“But what we’ve done is to shift our
value proposition to demonstrate here’s the tangible outcome,” Kennedy says.Kennedy says the university has had to
adjust to changes in student attitudes and suggests higher education embrace
the change.“Higher education is not a static
entity,” according to Kennedy. “If it’s not dynamic, if it’s not reflective of
what societal needs are, then what’s the purpose of it?”Kennedy says the university now must
assure students a degree has tangible benefits and assure the greater St.
Joseph area that Missouri Western students will contribute to the regional
economy.“When I talk about making sure that the
university is lined up with what students and their families and the school
districts and our community and our business and industry are looking for to
advance that’s what’s going to keep us relevant.”Kennedy says this is just the latest in
the ongoing debate about the proper role of higher education.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU shifts to meet changing student expectations

CLINTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 8a.m. Wednesday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Chevy 2500 driven by a 38-year-old Plattsburg man and a 2017 Dodge Durango driven by a 33-year-old Cameron woman were eastbound on MO 116 at Vandeau Road two miles east of Plattsburg.

The SUV stopped to wait for a vehicle to turn northbound.&nbsp; The Chevy cleared a hill crest and struck the Dodge. Tri-County EMS transported the SUV driver to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The pickup driver was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

CLINTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 8a.m. Wednesday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Chevy 2500 driven by a 38-year-old Plattsburg man and a 2017 Dodge Durango driven by a 33-year-old Cameron woman were eastbound on MO 116 at Vandeau Road two miles east of Plattsburg.The SUV stopped to wait for a vehicle to turn northbound.&nbsp; The Chevy cleared a hill crest and struck the Dodge. Tri-County EMS transported the SUV driver to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The pickup driver was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Mo. woman injured after pickup, SUV crash

The United Way of Greater St. Joseph is asking for volunteers to help get into St. Joseph elementary schools to read with children.  

United Way Reading Adventure, a program launched in 2011, works to help students maintain and improve their reading skills.  

Director of Community Investment Jodi Flurry says the program began as a summer reading program but has grown in recent years.  

"Probably about 2013 we expanded into reading with school age children in the schools during the school year, so that's what we're here to recruit volunteers for right now, is we need volunteers to read with children in the elementary schools here in the St. Joseph School District," Flurry tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. 

Flurry says after serving five St. Joseph schools in the fall, starting on the 27th volunteers will go into nine elementary schools.  

"This is our first time we've ever been able to reach all of the St. Joseph School District elementaries with United Way Reading Adventure, so that means we need a lot of volunteers," Flurry says. 

Volunteers will help students read at Coleman, Ellison, Gene Field, Hyde, Lindbergh, Oak Grove, Parkway, Pickett and Skaith elementary schools.  

Flurry says this program is an easy way to start if you've never volunteered before or are looking for a volunteer opportunity with a short time commitment.  

"Most reading sessions last an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes, that's total, the entire amount of time that you are on site at a school, so it's a short time commitment," Flurry explains.  "And you volunteer for the sessions that work for you, so maybe you want to read at Lindbergh Elementary School, but one of the days you have a doctor's appointment, that's fine, you just don't register for that session it's based on the availability of the volunteer." 

To volunteer to read you can contact Flurry at the United Way offices or register online.  Books can also be donated to be given to students through the program. 

The program will begin on January 27th with the Oak Grove first grade class. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The United Way of Greater St. Joseph is asking for volunteers to help get into St. Joseph elementary schools to read with children. United Way Reading Adventure, a program launched in 2011, works to help students maintain and improve their reading skills. Director of Community Investment Jodi Flurry says the program began as a summer reading program but has grown in recent years. "Probably about 2013 we expanded into reading with school age children in the schools during the school year, so that's what we're here to recruit volunteers for right now, is we need volunteers to read with children in the elementary schools here in the St. Joseph School District," Flurry tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. Flurry says after serving five St. Joseph schools in the fall, starting on the 27th volunteers will go into nine elementary schools. "This is our first time we've ever been able to reach all of the St. Joseph School District elementaries with United Way Reading Adventure, so that means we need a lot of volunteers," Flurry says. Volunteers will help students read at Coleman, Ellison, Gene Field, Hyde, Lindbergh, Oak Grove, Parkway, Pickett and Skaith elementary schools. Flurry says this program is an easy way to start if you've never volunteered before or are looking for a volunteer opportunity with a short time commitment. "Most reading sessions last an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes, that's total, the entire amount of time that you are on site at a school, so it's a short time commitment," Flurry explains. "And you volunteer for the sessions that work for you, so maybe you want to read at Lindbergh Elementary School, but one of the days you have a doctor's appointment, that's fine, you just don't register for that session it's based on the availability of the volunteer." To volunteer to read you can contact Flurry at the United Way offices or register online. Books can also be donated to be given to students through the program. The program will begin on January 27th with the Oak Grove first grade class. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

St. Joseph reading program expands to all elementary schools; needs volunteers

St. Joseph is
wrapping up several capital improvement projects spurred by federal COVID-19
recovery funds.

Fourth District
Councilmember Michael Grimm says the council intends for the improvements to
make an impact, such as improvements soon to come to Krug Park.

Grimm says the
park in north St. Joseph will be undergoing a transformation.

“The castle will
be redone. The inside will be set up so that if vendors want to use that for
say a wedding or a picnic of some sort, (for) a company, it’ll be set up so they’ll
have refrigeration and they’ll have heating and cooling,” according to Grimm.

St. Joseph is
spending a total of $10 ½ million on the renovations at Krug Park. Some of the
money comes from the federal funds, some from capital improvement money, and
some from the parks sales tax.

St. Joseph has
received a total of $39 million in federal COVID-19 money. The previous city
council distributed $18 million to non-profits and charities. The current city
council took a different take and decided to spend the money on capital
improvements.

Grimm believes
residents appreciated the new focus.

“I think the
people of the city realize that we’ve got a lot of problems and we can help
rectify some of that, whether it be Civic Arena or whether it be City Hall. We’re
spending a lot of money at City Hall.”

Money spent on
upgrading City Hall comes just before it celebrates its 100th
anniversary in 2027.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736955782107.jpeg" alt="Krug Park Castle/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Krug Park Castle/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph is
wrapping up several capital improvement projects spurred by federal COVID-19
recovery funds.Fourth District
Councilmember Michael Grimm says the council intends for the improvements to
make an impact, such as improvements soon to come to Krug Park.“We hope that
people say, ‘Wow’”Grimm says the
park in north St. Joseph will be undergoing a transformation.“The castle will
be redone. The inside will be set up so that if vendors want to use that for
say a wedding or a picnic of some sort, (for) a company, it’ll be set up so they’ll
have refrigeration and they’ll have heating and cooling,” according to Grimm.St. Joseph is
spending a total of $10 ½ million on the renovations at Krug Park. Some of the
money comes from the federal funds, some from capital improvement money, and
some from the parks sales tax.St. Joseph has
received a total of $39 million in federal COVID-19 money. The previous city
council distributed $18 million to non-profits and charities. The current city
council took a different take and decided to spend the money on capital
improvements.Grimm believes
residents appreciated the new focus.“I think the
people of the city realize that we’ve got a lot of problems and we can help
rectify some of that, whether it be Civic Arena or whether it be City Hall. We’re
spending a lot of money at City Hall.”Money spent on
upgrading City Hall comes just before it celebrates its 100th
anniversary in 2027.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736882954278.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph City Hall/file photo" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph City Hall/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

New focus spends federal funds on St. Joseph capital improvement projects

The court sided with former state vendor EngagePoint, which was hired to help implement the state’s public benefits case management system

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>

The Western District of Missouri Court of Appeals on Tuesday upheld a $23 million ruling against the Department of Social Services for breach of contract.

The appeals court&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=216533" target="_blank">sided</a>&nbsp;with EngagePoint, a technology company that sued the state in 2016 alleging it was owed millions for work it conducted but was never paid for. The company was hired to help implement the state’s software system for managing public benefits cases, including Medicaid.

The state in 2017 countersued EngagePoint for breach of contract.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/08/16/former-state-vendor-awarded-23m-in-lawsuit-over-missouri-medicaid-system-implementation/">2022</a>, Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem ordered the state to pay a little over $4 million that the company argued it was owed, and a jury awarded $18.9 million on additional claims.&nbsp;

The state challenged the constitutionality of the award for extra work, along with the award for interest payments and a specific claim for repayment — arguing those were all outside the scope of the contract. The state also argued one of the jury instructions violated part of the contract and led the trial court to err in its decision.

On Tuesday the appeals court sided with EngagePoint on all four points, arguing the award was justified under Missouri law.&nbsp;

“EngagePoint performed substantial additional work at the state’s direction,” the court noted.

Neither the Department of Social Services nor the attorney general’s office responded to requests for comment. Chris Moreland, a spokesperson for the Office of Administration, declined to comment and said the office is currently reviewing the court’s decision.

EngagePoint, a Florida-based firm,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/engagepoint-awarded-eligibility-enrollment-and-case-management-system-contract-by-state-of-missouri-213209911.html" target="_blank">was hired by the state in 2013</a>&nbsp;as a vendor to implement the Missouri Human Services Eligibility, Enrollment and Case Management System, a comprehensive, fully-integrated system for Department of Social Services’ programs, like Medicaid.

EngagePoint was hired over competitors such as IBM, and alleged in its lawsuit that the state ignored the company’s advice and licensed a software known as Cúram directly from IBM. The state later held EngagePoint accountable for flaws with the software, which was “unstable and not functionally ready.”

The state directed EngagePoint to perform extra work to correct issues with&nbsp;Cúram&nbsp;and integrate it into the case management system, according to Tuesday’s decision.

IBM was eventually hired to complete the contract after EngagePoint was terminated by the state in May 2015. At least $37 million was owed to the company, EngagePoint argued in its 2016 lawsuit.

The state argued EngagePoint sought “money for work not performed” and that the company breached its contract and “repeatedly failed to deliver, and those failures cost the state tens of millions of dollars,” or a total of roughly $84 million.

As a result, the state was justified in terminating its contract and hiring IBM, it argued.

“From January of 2014 forward, EngagePoint’s failures brought the eligibility determination and enrollment operations of the State’s Medicaid program to the brink of dysfunction,” the state wrote in its 2017 counterclaim, arguing overtime work of temporary staff was one of the only reasons that operations remained in place for nearly 18 months through a manual by-pass system.

DSS and Office of Administration officials highlighted those issues and placed blame on EngagePoint in 2015 legislative hearings scrutinizing the backlog and delays in the Medicaid system,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newstribune.com/news/2015/aug/26/mo-house-committee-examines-new-medicaid-system/" target="_blank">the Jefferson City News Tribune reported at the time</a>.

The Missouri Eligibility Determination and Enrollment System that EngagePoint was hired to implement continued to come under scrutiny as part of the Department of Social Services’ delays in enrolling newly eligible participants under expanded Medicaid. The state cited updates to the state’s Medicaid system to make eligibility determinations&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/08/11/missouri-to-accept-medicaid-expansion-applications-full-approval-likely-weeks-away/">as the reason applications wouldn’t be processed</a>&nbsp;for 60 days after the state&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/08/10/judge-orders-state-to-immediately-allow-missourians-to-enroll-in-expanded-medicaid/">was court-ordered to implement expanded Medicaid</a>&nbsp;in 2021.

In 2022, the federal government initiated a formal&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/08/09/federal-government-steps-in-to-help-pull-missouri-out-of-medicaid-backlog/">mitigation plan</a>&nbsp;with the state to get the processing time of Medicaid applications down. Wait times improved then worsened: Last summer, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/17/feds-to-scrutinize-missouris-worst-in-the-nation-medicaid-application-delays/">again intervened,</a>&nbsp;saying it was concerned the state was not doing enough to “achieve and sustain” compliance with federal rules on Medicaid. The federal government said in the May letter it was concerned “particularly given the prolonged period of the state’s noncompliance.”&nbsp;

Medicaid applications for low-income Americans are required to be reviewed within 45 days,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/17/feds-to-scrutinize-missouris-worst-in-the-nation-medicaid-application-delays/">but early last year</a>&nbsp;72% of Missouri applications took more than 45 days to process, per federal data.&nbsp;

The numbers appear to have improved: The average processing time for low-income Medicaid applications was down to 16 days in November, according to the most recent&nbsp;<a href="https://dss.mo.gov/re/pdf/fsd_mhdmr/1124-family-support-mohealthnet-report.pdf" target="_blank">state data</a>. According to the most recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicaid.gov/resources-for-states/downloads/medicaid-chip-unwinding-oper-snap-july2024.pdf" target="_blank">federal data</a>, which covers July 2024, 27% of applications in Missouri were processed in violation of the federal limit.

HHS Technology acquired EngagePoint’s claims for the contract dispute lawsuit and was substituted as the plaintiff. It&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/03/17/missouris-department-of-social-services-sued-for-alleged-sunshine-law-violations/">sued DSS in another case in 2023</a>, alleging the state violated Missouri’s Sunshine Law. Late last year, a judge sided with HHS,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/sunshine-law-violations-by-social-services-agency-will-cost-missouri-120000/">ordering the state to pay $120,000.</a>&nbsp;According to online court records, Missouri filed its notice of appeal in that case in December.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708341005704.png" alt="&nbsp;In 2022, Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem ordered the state to pay a little over $4 million that the company argued it was owed, and a jury awarded $18.9 million on additional claims (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;In 2022, Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem ordered the state to pay a little over $4 million that the company argued it was owed, and a jury awarded $18.9 million on additional claims (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The court sided with former state vendor EngagePoint, which was hired to help implement the state’s public benefits case management system</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>The Western District of Missouri Court of Appeals on Tuesday upheld a $23 million ruling against the Department of Social Services for breach of contract.The appeals court&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=216533" target="_blank">sided</a>&nbsp;with EngagePoint, a technology company that sued the state in 2016 alleging it was owed millions for work it conducted but was never paid for. The company was hired to help implement the state’s software system for managing public benefits cases, including Medicaid.The state in 2017 countersued EngagePoint for breach of contract.In&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/08/16/former-state-vendor-awarded-23m-in-lawsuit-over-missouri-medicaid-system-implementation/">2022</a>, Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem ordered the state to pay a little over $4 million that the company argued it was owed, and a jury awarded $18.9 million on additional claims.&nbsp;The state filed an appeal.&nbsp;The state challenged the constitutionality of the award for extra work, along with the award for interest payments and a specific claim for repayment — arguing those were all outside the scope of the contract. The state also argued one of the jury instructions violated part of the contract and led the trial court to err in its decision.On Tuesday the appeals court sided with EngagePoint on all four points, arguing the award was justified under Missouri law.&nbsp;“EngagePoint performed substantial additional work at the state’s direction,” the court noted.Neither the Department of Social Services nor the attorney general’s office responded to requests for comment. Chris Moreland, a spokesperson for the Office of Administration, declined to comment and said the office is currently reviewing the court’s decision.EngagePoint, a Florida-based firm,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/engagepoint-awarded-eligibility-enrollment-and-case-management-system-contract-by-state-of-missouri-213209911.html" target="_blank">was hired by the state in 2013</a>&nbsp;as a vendor to implement the Missouri Human Services Eligibility, Enrollment and Case Management System, a comprehensive, fully-integrated system for Department of Social Services’ programs, like Medicaid.EngagePoint was hired over competitors such as IBM, and alleged in its lawsuit that the state ignored the company’s advice and licensed a software known as Cúram directly from IBM. The state later held EngagePoint accountable for flaws with the software, which was “unstable and not functionally ready.”The state directed EngagePoint to perform extra work to correct issues with&nbsp;Cúram&nbsp;and integrate it into the case management system, according to Tuesday’s decision.IBM was eventually hired to complete the contract after EngagePoint was terminated by the state in May 2015. At least $37 million was owed to the company, EngagePoint argued in its 2016 lawsuit.The state argued EngagePoint sought “money for work not performed” and that the company breached its contract and “repeatedly failed to deliver, and those failures cost the state tens of millions of dollars,” or a total of roughly $84 million.As a result, the state was justified in terminating its contract and hiring IBM, it argued.“From January of 2014 forward, EngagePoint’s failures brought the eligibility determination and enrollment operations of the State’s Medicaid program to the brink of dysfunction,” the state wrote in its 2017 counterclaim, arguing overtime work of temporary staff was one of the only reasons that operations remained in place for nearly 18 months through a manual by-pass system.DSS and Office of Administration officials highlighted those issues and placed blame on EngagePoint in 2015 legislative hearings scrutinizing the backlog and delays in the Medicaid system,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newstribune.com/news/2015/aug/26/mo-house-committee-examines-new-medicaid-system/" target="_blank">the Jefferson City News Tribune reported at the time</a>.The Missouri Eligibility Determination and Enrollment System that EngagePoint was hired to implement continued to come under scrutiny as part of the Department of Social Services’ delays in enrolling newly eligible participants under expanded Medicaid. The state cited updates to the state’s Medicaid system to make eligibility determinations&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/08/11/missouri-to-accept-medicaid-expansion-applications-full-approval-likely-weeks-away/">as the reason applications wouldn’t be processed</a>&nbsp;for 60 days after the state&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/08/10/judge-orders-state-to-immediately-allow-missourians-to-enroll-in-expanded-medicaid/">was court-ordered to implement expanded Medicaid</a>&nbsp;in 2021.In 2022, the federal government initiated a formal&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/08/09/federal-government-steps-in-to-help-pull-missouri-out-of-medicaid-backlog/">mitigation plan</a>&nbsp;with the state to get the processing time of Medicaid applications down. Wait times improved then worsened: Last summer, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/17/feds-to-scrutinize-missouris-worst-in-the-nation-medicaid-application-delays/">again intervened,</a>&nbsp;saying it was concerned the state was not doing enough to “achieve and sustain” compliance with federal rules on Medicaid. The federal government said in the May letter it was concerned “particularly given the prolonged period of the state’s noncompliance.”&nbsp;Medicaid applications for low-income Americans are required to be reviewed within 45 days,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/17/feds-to-scrutinize-missouris-worst-in-the-nation-medicaid-application-delays/">but early last year</a>&nbsp;72% of Missouri applications took more than 45 days to process, per federal data.&nbsp;The numbers appear to have improved: The average processing time for low-income Medicaid applications was down to 16 days in November, according to the most recent&nbsp;<a href="https://dss.mo.gov/re/pdf/fsd_mhdmr/1124-family-support-mohealthnet-report.pdf" target="_blank">state data</a>. According to the most recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicaid.gov/resources-for-states/downloads/medicaid-chip-unwinding-oper-snap-july2024.pdf" target="_blank">federal data</a>, which covers July 2024, 27% of applications in Missouri were processed in violation of the federal limit.HHS Technology acquired EngagePoint’s claims for the contract dispute lawsuit and was substituted as the plaintiff. It&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/03/17/missouris-department-of-social-services-sued-for-alleged-sunshine-law-violations/">sued DSS in another case in 2023</a>, alleging the state violated Missouri’s Sunshine Law. Late last year, a judge sided with HHS,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/sunshine-law-violations-by-social-services-agency-will-cost-missouri-120000/">ordering the state to pay $120,000.</a>&nbsp;According to online court records, Missouri filed its notice of appeal in that case in December.

Appeals court upholds $23M judgment against Missouri DSS in contract dispute

DEKALB COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Tuesday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Chevy Impala driven by an 84-year-old Albany man was westbound on MO 6 just west of Weartheby.

The driver became blindsided by the sun. The car traveled off the road and overturned.

DeKalb-Clinton Ambulance transported the driver and an 87-year-old female passenger to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Tuesday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Chevy Impala driven by an 84-year-old Albany man was westbound on MO 6 just west of Weartheby.The driver became blindsided by the sun. The car traveled off the road and overturned.DeKalb-Clinton Ambulance transported the driver and an 87-year-old female passenger to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Mo. man, woman injured after car overturns

St. Joseph leaders have targeted housing
as a real need if the city is to grow.

St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President
Natalie Hawn says the Chamber is working with the city on a housing initiative.

“We have a study that will be rolling
out, hopefully about the first of April, that will be an info housing study.
And really what that is going to be designed to do is to look at areas of town
that have potential for redevelopment,” Hawn says. “So, not necessarily looking
at areas that are already getting development, like a Greystone, but looking at
areas in maybe midtown that are really on the cusp of having potential for redevelopment.”

Hawn says a Housing Task Force will be
reviewing ways to attract developers willing to take on the redevelopment of
entire blocks, rather than individual houses. Hawn says several sections of the
city have a lot of potential for redevelopment.

Hawn says housing is a vital piece in the
development of downtown St. Joseph.

“We have to have more market-rate housing
downtown if we ever want to continue to grow downtown,” according to Hawn. “So,
you’ve got to create the walkability. So, you have to have projects like the
market and the Children’s Discovery Center to get people downtown, but then you
also have to have housing, where you have people that are everyday; that’s two
blocks from their house, that’s where they go for their coffee or for their
groceries or whatever it might be.”

Hawn says the task force will be working
with a consultant to pinpoint areas ripe for development.

“We can then put a playbook together to go
after some developers who are developing, but maybe don’t necessarily see the
potential in downtown or midtown and with the help of community resources as
far as like helping navigate the process, make it easier for them, really
helping make it a win-win for our community,” Hawn says.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph leaders have targeted housing
as a real need if the city is to grow.St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President
Natalie Hawn says the Chamber is working with the city on a housing initiative.“We have a study that will be rolling
out, hopefully about the first of April, that will be an info housing study.
And really what that is going to be designed to do is to look at areas of town
that have potential for redevelopment,” Hawn says. “So, not necessarily looking
at areas that are already getting development, like a Greystone, but looking at
areas in maybe midtown that are really on the cusp of having potential for redevelopment.”Hawn says a Housing Task Force will be
reviewing ways to attract developers willing to take on the redevelopment of
entire blocks, rather than individual houses. Hawn says several sections of the
city have a lot of potential for redevelopment.Hawn says housing is a vital piece in the
development of downtown St. Joseph.“We have to have more market-rate housing
downtown if we ever want to continue to grow downtown,” according to Hawn. “So,
you’ve got to create the walkability. So, you have to have projects like the
market and the Children’s Discovery Center to get people downtown, but then you
also have to have housing, where you have people that are everyday; that’s two
blocks from their house, that’s where they go for their coffee or for their
groceries or whatever it might be.”Hawn says the task force will be working
with a consultant to pinpoint areas ripe for development.“We can then put a playbook together to go
after some developers who are developing, but maybe don’t necessarily see the
potential in downtown or midtown and with the help of community resources as
far as like helping navigate the process, make it easier for them, really
helping make it a win-win for our community,” Hawn says.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph city leaders hope to develop housing in 2025

Temperatures remain extremely cold, and at times below freezing, which can threaten the water pipes in your home.  

To help prevent the danger frozen pipes could cause, Missouri American Water is giving residents tips to avoid the disaster that could cause. 

Spokeswoman Christie Barnhart says newer homes don't need to shut off their water if pipes freeze, but if you live in an older home. 

"It might not be a bad idea to shut the water off and then periodically check," Barnhart tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "Just because if you have older pipes and you know that you do, and that water comes back on and the pipe bursts, obviously that can accumulate in the home very, very quickly." 

Barnhart says there are a few simple steps people can take to help prevent frozen pipes.  

"The first thing, and I actually did this myself before the cold snap, is I went to a home improvement store and basically purchased some inexpensive wrap for my pipes, there are certain areas of my home that are cooler than others and I wrapped those pipes," Barnhart explains.  "And then I started leaving the cabinet doors open so the pipes could get exposed to warmer air in the house." 

Another tip from Missouri American is to let a small trickle flow from the faucet while temperatures are below freezing.  

Barnhart says while homeowners worry how that could impact on their water bills, that is far less expensive than having pipes burst. 

"Not only are you looking at, if your pipes burst, a higher water bill, which we do have a program where after repairs are made your bills can be adjusted," Barnhart says.  "But it's the mess and the inconvenience of not having water, having water standing in your home, water is very damaging to homes if its standing for any period of time." 

Barnhart says letting that water trickle from the faucet is one of the top three things people can do in terms of prevention 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671211286987.jpg" alt="icicles, frozen pipe, frozen" />
 <figcaption>icicles, frozen pipe, frozen</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Temperatures remain extremely cold, and at times below freezing, which can threaten the water pipes in your home. To help prevent the danger frozen pipes could cause, Missouri American Water is giving residents tips to avoid the disaster that could cause. Spokeswoman Christie Barnhart says newer homes don't need to shut off their water if pipes freeze, but if you live in an older home. "It might not be a bad idea to shut the water off and then periodically check," Barnhart tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Just because if you have older pipes and you know that you do, and that water comes back on and the pipe bursts, obviously that can accumulate in the home very, very quickly." Barnhart says there are a few simple steps people can take to help prevent frozen pipes. "The first thing, and I actually did this myself before the cold snap, is I went to a home improvement store and basically purchased some inexpensive wrap for my pipes, there are certain areas of my home that are cooler than others and I wrapped those pipes," Barnhart explains. "And then I started leaving the cabinet doors open so the pipes could get exposed to warmer air in the house." Another tip from Missouri American is to let a small trickle flow from the faucet while temperatures are below freezing. Barnhart says while homeowners worry how that could impact on their water bills, that is far less expensive than having pipes burst. "Not only are you looking at, if your pipes burst, a higher water bill, which we do have a program where after repairs are made your bills can be adjusted," Barnhart says. "But it's the mess and the inconvenience of not having water, having water standing in your home, water is very damaging to homes if its standing for any period of time." Barnhart says letting that water trickle from the faucet is one of the top three things people can do in terms of prevention

Simple steps can keep your pipes from freezing

Two St. Joseph
elementary schools welcomed students back today after faulty heating systems forced
the cancelation of classes on Monday.

St. Joseph School Superintendent
Gabe Edgar says issues weren’t confined only to Edison and Eugene Field.

“We actually had
five schools that faced some issues in regards to the heat,” Edgar tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Fortunately, in three of those, we got to have in-person
classes and unfortunately, two of those we had to cancel.”

Maintenance
personnel were able to get the heat working enough at Central High School,
Robidoux Middle School, and Spring Garden Middle School to hold classes, though
Edgar joked that the buildings were pretty cool to start the day.

Repairs took too
long for Edison and Eugene Field to hold classes. The heat is on today and both
schools are holding classes.

Edgar says that in
each school the heating systems just aren’t equipped to handle such cold days.

“It’s just a unit
that does not work when it gets below 20 degrees,” according to Edgar. “Why
they were put in, I can’t answer that question. But, in April of 2024 you know we
did pass a bond issue and some of those dollars will be put towards that.”

Edgar says that
while it takes no time for the temperature in the school buildings to dropped,
it takes quite a while for the temperature to get back up to a range acceptable
for students to return to class.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736872797454.jpeg" alt="Eugene Field Elementary/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Eugene Field Elementary/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostTwo St. Joseph
elementary schools welcomed students back today after faulty heating systems forced
the cancelation of classes on Monday.St. Joseph School Superintendent
Gabe Edgar says issues weren’t confined only to Edison and Eugene Field.“We actually had
five schools that faced some issues in regards to the heat,” Edgar tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Fortunately, in three of those, we got to have in-person
classes and unfortunately, two of those we had to cancel.”Maintenance
personnel were able to get the heat working enough at Central High School,
Robidoux Middle School, and Spring Garden Middle School to hold classes, though
Edgar joked that the buildings were pretty cool to start the day.Repairs took too
long for Edison and Eugene Field to hold classes. The heat is on today and both
schools are holding classes.Edgar says that in
each school the heating systems just aren’t equipped to handle such cold days.“It’s just a unit
that does not work when it gets below 20 degrees,” according to Edgar. “Why
they were put in, I can’t answer that question. But, in April of 2024 you know we
did pass a bond issue and some of those dollars will be put towards that.”Edgar says that
while it takes no time for the temperature in the school buildings to dropped,
it takes quite a while for the temperature to get back up to a range acceptable
for students to return to class.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Two St. Joseph elementary schools closed Monday reopen

Missouri is just one of the GOP-dominated states where voters chose to make significant boosts to the minimum wage this year

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/kevinhardy/">KEVIN HARDY</a>&nbsp;

The minimum wage will increase in nearly half the states this year even as the federal wage floor remains stuck at $7.25 per hour.

In many states, the minimum wage is automatically adjusted upward as inflation rises. But voters in several states, including deeply red ones such as Alaska and Missouri, chose in November to significantly increase their minimum wages this year.

Michigan will see its minimum wage jump from $10.33 to $12.48 on Feb. 21 after&nbsp;<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2024/07/31/minimum-wage-to-increase-after-the-michigan-supreme-court-strikes-down-legislative-maneuver/" target="_blank">the state Supreme Court concluded</a>&nbsp;the legislature subverted residents when it adopted but then significantly amended voter-initiated ballot measures in 2018 to raise the minimum wage and mandate paid sick time.

Michigan’s wage floor is set to rise to $14.97 by 2028 — more than double the federal minimum wage, which has not increased since 2009. That’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/minimum-wage/history/chart" target="_blank">the longest period without a federal increase</a>&nbsp;since Congress first set a minimum wage in 1938.

A total of 30 states and the District of Columbia have set their own minimum wage higher than the federal rate. And 67 localities — including Denver; Flagstaff, Arizona; and Los Angeles — have raised their minimum wage above the state minimum,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.epi.org/minimum-wage-tracker/" target="_blank">according to the Economic Policy Institute</a>, a left-leaning think tank.

Currently, 10 states have a minimum wage of $15 or higher: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Washington.

Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, Missouri and Nebraska are on track to reach the $15 benchmark in the coming years. Such movement in red states should prompt Republicans who control Congress and the White House to move the national wage floor, argued Richard von Glahn, the political director at the labor advocacy group Missouri Jobs with Justice.

“We should have Republican legislators looking and seeing what their own voters are telling them and say, ‘You know, maybe they’re on to something here and maybe I should follow their lead,” he said.

Von Glahn led a successful campaign to raise Missouri’s minimum wage from 2024’s rate of $12.30 to $15 per hour next January through a November ballot initiative that also guaranteed sick leave for many workers.

While a tight labor market forces many employers to pay above minimum wage to compete, von Glahn noted many workers still earn at or near the lowest legal rate. The Economic Policy Institute&nbsp;<a href="https://www.epi.org/blog/nearly-half-of-u-s-workers-will-live-in-states-with-at-least-a-15-minimum-wage-by-2027-alaska-and-missouri-became-the-latest-states-to-enact-a-15-minimum-wage/" target="_blank">estimates that more than half a million Missouri workers</a>&nbsp;will see raises as the state’s minimum wage increases.

“That sort of proves the point as to why this is so necessary, why these guardrails are so important,” he said.

For Kaamilya Hobbs, the Missouri law means she can expect at least an extra 31 cents per hour once she returns to work at Arby’s following maternity leave.

This year’s new minimum wage of $13.75 isn’t enough to live comfortably in Kansas City, she said. But every bit helps her afford the basics, such as diapers and baby formula.

“It won’t be a huge difference. But it’ll still be a little bit of something for us,” said Hobbs, 33, who is also an organizer for a group advocating for low-wage workers.

Inflation has significantly eroded the buying power of the stagnant federal minimum wage. Advocates say raising the wage floor helps low-wage workers cover the rising cost of essentials and boosts the economy by putting more money into the pockets of people who are likely to spend it. But many employers, especially retailers and restaurants, counter that raising the minimum wage forces them to cut workers or raise prices.

In December, President-elect Donald Trump said he would consider a national increase in the minimum wage. Trump won 19 of the 20 states — all but New Hampshire — still subject to a $7.25 minimum wage.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/video/trump-says-he-would-consider-raising-the-federal-minimum-wage-226490437864" target="_blank">In an NBC News interview,</a>&nbsp;he acknowledged the $7.25 rate was “a very low number,” but said raising the minimum wage too much would decrease employment.

“There is a level at which you can do it,” he said, without specifying a number.

Earlier this month, Alaska’s minimum wage went up 18 cents thanks to an automatic inflation-based bump.

But the state’s current $11.91 rate will increase to $13 this July, thanks to the passage of a November ballot measure. Under the measure, the wage will increase to $14 in July 2026 and $15 in July 2027, followed by inflation-adjusted increases starting in 2028.

<a href="https://www.elections.alaska.gov/doc/oep/2024/Ballot%20Measure%201_Eng.pdf" target="_blank">The ballot measure</a>&nbsp;drew fierce opposition from business groups but won approval by 58%-42%. The new law also mandates employers provide up to seven paid sick days per year — a major concern particularly in seasonal industries, including tourism.

Before November’s election, members of the Alaska Cabaret, Hotel, Restaurant and Retailers Association said passage of the ballot measure would result in higher prices and lead to layoffs and reduced hours for workers, said Sarah Oates Harlow, president and chief executive officer of the organization.

The minimum wage hike will particularly hurt smaller businesses, she said, and those with tipped workers such as servers and bartenders. Alaska is among seven states that don’t allow employers to pay tipped employees less than the minimum wage, meaning many of those workers are already making well above the state’s wage floor, she said.

“I guarantee you we will be seeing prices going up across the board,” she said. “Groceries are going to be more expensive. Eating out is going to be more expensive.”

But Mark Robokoff, who owns the pet supply store AK Bark in Anchorage, sees a higher wage floor as good for business. He said the minimum wage increase will put more money into the pockets of his customers.

“It’s not like there’s no benefit to this cost,” Robokoff said.

To attract the best staff, he said, employee wages start at $17 per hour. But he expects to ratchet that figure up as the state’s minimum wage increases.

“That’s why it needed to be a law,” he said. “It only works if we all do it. Then we all get more revenue and pay our employees a little bit more.”

<a href="https://stateline.org/" target="_blank">Stateline</a>&nbsp;is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@stateline.org">info@stateline.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736869731847.png" alt="Kansas City resident Kaamilya Hobbs expects to earn at least an extra 31 cents per hour once she returns to work at Arby’s following maternity leave (Courtesy of the Missouri Workers Center)." />
 <figcaption>Kansas City resident Kaamilya Hobbs expects to earn at least an extra 31 cents per hour once she returns to work at Arby’s following maternity leave (Courtesy of the Missouri Workers Center).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Missouri is just one of the GOP-dominated states where voters chose to make significant boosts to the minimum wage this year</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/kevinhardy/">KEVIN HARDY</a>&nbsp;The minimum wage will increase in nearly half the states this year even as the federal wage floor remains stuck at $7.25 per hour.In many states, the minimum wage is automatically adjusted upward as inflation rises. But voters in several states, including deeply red ones such as Alaska and Missouri, chose in November to significantly increase their minimum wages this year.Michigan will see its minimum wage jump from $10.33 to $12.48 on Feb. 21 after&nbsp;<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2024/07/31/minimum-wage-to-increase-after-the-michigan-supreme-court-strikes-down-legislative-maneuver/" target="_blank">the state Supreme Court concluded</a>&nbsp;the legislature subverted residents when it adopted but then significantly amended voter-initiated ballot measures in 2018 to raise the minimum wage and mandate paid sick time.Michigan’s wage floor is set to rise to $14.97 by 2028 — more than double the federal minimum wage, which has not increased since 2009. That’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/minimum-wage/history/chart" target="_blank">the longest period without a federal increase</a>&nbsp;since Congress first set a minimum wage in 1938.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736869706612.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A total of 30 states and the District of Columbia have set their own minimum wage higher than the federal rate. And 67 localities — including Denver; Flagstaff, Arizona; and Los Angeles — have raised their minimum wage above the state minimum,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.epi.org/minimum-wage-tracker/" target="_blank">according to the Economic Policy Institute</a>, a left-leaning think tank.Currently, 10 states have a minimum wage of $15 or higher: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Washington.Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, Missouri and Nebraska are on track to reach the $15 benchmark in the coming years. Such movement in red states should prompt Republicans who control Congress and the White House to move the national wage floor, argued Richard von Glahn, the political director at the labor advocacy group Missouri Jobs with Justice.“We should have Republican legislators looking and seeing what their own voters are telling them and say, ‘You know, maybe they’re on to something here and maybe I should follow their lead,” he said.Von Glahn led a successful campaign to raise Missouri’s minimum wage from 2024’s rate of $12.30 to $15 per hour next January through a November ballot initiative that also guaranteed sick leave for many workers.While a tight labor market forces many employers to pay above minimum wage to compete, von Glahn noted many workers still earn at or near the lowest legal rate. The Economic Policy Institute&nbsp;<a href="https://www.epi.org/blog/nearly-half-of-u-s-workers-will-live-in-states-with-at-least-a-15-minimum-wage-by-2027-alaska-and-missouri-became-the-latest-states-to-enact-a-15-minimum-wage/" target="_blank">estimates that more than half a million Missouri workers</a>&nbsp;will see raises as the state’s minimum wage increases.“That sort of proves the point as to why this is so necessary, why these guardrails are so important,” he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736869673464.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For Kaamilya Hobbs, the Missouri law means she can expect at least an extra 31 cents per hour once she returns to work at Arby’s following maternity leave.This year’s new minimum wage of $13.75 isn’t enough to live comfortably in Kansas City, she said. But every bit helps her afford the basics, such as diapers and baby formula.“It won’t be a huge difference. But it’ll still be a little bit of something for us,” said Hobbs, 33, who is also an organizer for a group advocating for low-wage workers.Inflation has significantly eroded the buying power of the stagnant federal minimum wage. Advocates say raising the wage floor helps low-wage workers cover the rising cost of essentials and boosts the economy by putting more money into the pockets of people who are likely to spend it. But many employers, especially retailers and restaurants, counter that raising the minimum wage forces them to cut workers or raise prices.In December, President-elect Donald Trump said he would consider a national increase in the minimum wage. Trump won 19 of the 20 states — all but New Hampshire — still subject to a $7.25 minimum wage.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/video/trump-says-he-would-consider-raising-the-federal-minimum-wage-226490437864" target="_blank">In an NBC News interview,</a>&nbsp;he acknowledged the $7.25 rate was “a very low number,” but said raising the minimum wage too much would decrease employment.“There is a level at which you can do it,” he said, without specifying a number.Earlier this month, Alaska’s minimum wage went up 18 cents thanks to an automatic inflation-based bump.But the state’s current $11.91 rate will increase to $13 this July, thanks to the passage of a November ballot measure. Under the measure, the wage will increase to $14 in July 2026 and $15 in July 2027, followed by inflation-adjusted increases starting in 2028.<a href="https://www.elections.alaska.gov/doc/oep/2024/Ballot%20Measure%201_Eng.pdf" target="_blank">The ballot measure</a>&nbsp;drew fierce opposition from business groups but won approval by 58%-42%. The new law also mandates employers provide up to seven paid sick days per year — a major concern particularly in seasonal industries, including tourism.Before November’s election, members of the Alaska Cabaret, Hotel, Restaurant and Retailers Association said passage of the ballot measure would result in higher prices and lead to layoffs and reduced hours for workers, said Sarah Oates Harlow, president and chief executive officer of the organization.The minimum wage hike will particularly hurt smaller businesses, she said, and those with tipped workers such as servers and bartenders. Alaska is among seven states that don’t allow employers to pay tipped employees less than the minimum wage, meaning many of those workers are already making well above the state’s wage floor, she said.“I guarantee you we will be seeing prices going up across the board,” she said. “Groceries are going to be more expensive. Eating out is going to be more expensive.”But Mark Robokoff, who owns the pet supply store AK Bark in Anchorage, sees a higher wage floor as good for business. He said the minimum wage increase will put more money into the pockets of his customers.“It’s not like there’s no benefit to this cost,” Robokoff said.To attract the best staff, he said, employee wages start at $17 per hour. But he expects to ratchet that figure up as the state’s minimum wage increases.“That’s why it needed to be a law,” he said. “It only works if we all do it. Then we all get more revenue and pay our employees a little bit more.”<a href="https://stateline.org/" target="_blank">Stateline</a>&nbsp;is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@stateline.org">info@stateline.org</a>.

Minimum wages are increasing in nearly half the states this year

Kehoe’s executive orders will position Missouri ‘to assist with immigration enforcement when called upon by President Trump’s administration,’ said Attorney General Andrew Bailey

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Task forces to arrest people with outstanding warrants and immigration enforcement training for the Missouri State Highway Patrol are among the actions Gov. Mike Kehoe ordered Monday as part of a program to combat crime in Missouri.

Kehoe made controlling crime a centerpiece of his campaign for governor, and he signed the executive orders just minutes after&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/13/new-missouri-governor-focuses-on-crime-education-tax-cuts-in-inaugural-address/">taking the oath of office</a>&nbsp;for his four-year term. As he introduced the proposals, he said his package would have two more phases — legislation filed in the General Assembly and proposals he will unveil Jan. 28 when he delivers the annual State of the State address.

Flanked by Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who began his first full term in office Monday, and several top police officials, Kehoe said he wanted to address crime immediately.

“We’ve said for months that we were going to work very hard putting this together,” Kehoe said,“and I just wanted to get some things moving as quickly as we could.”&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/library/reference/orders/2025" target="_blank">six orders signed Monday</a>&nbsp;will:

Kehoe, citing demands on his time for post-inauguration activities, declined to answer questions about his actions, leaving those duties to Bailey.

The action on outstanding warrants, Bailey said, is intended to bring 17,600 wanted for felonies people into court.&nbsp;

“No longer will we wait until they are caught in a traffic stop, no longer will wait until they appear,” Bailey said. Now the state will be using its resources to coordinate with the locals to go after these individuals that are fleeing from justice.”

Incoming President Donald Trump has promised an immense crackdown on immigration, including&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/23/trump-promises-mass-deportations-of-undocumented-people-how-would-that-work/">deportation of all undocumented people</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. The two orders dealing with immigration would position Missouri “to assist with immigration enforcement when called upon by President Trump’s administration,” Bailey said.

The state experienced 1,300 fentanyl overdose deaths in 2024 and 1,100 cases of human trafficking, which Bailey said are both tied to undocumented immigrants to the state.

“Being at the crossroads of the nation with an extensive interstate system has made us prone to drug and human trafficking,” Bailey said.

The task force on probation and parole issues will look at whether offenders who should not be released are being set free and how to address personal problems that lead to crime, Bailey said.

During 2023, the most recent year with a full report on&nbsp;<a href="https://doc.mo.gov/media/pdf/offender-profile-fy23" target="_blank">incarcerated and supervised</a>&nbsp;offenders, Missouri had a prison population of 23,595 and more than 52,000 people on probation or parole.

During the year, the department released 2,644 people on probation and 8,050 on parole. The department received 4,811 people who had their probation revoked and another 4,264 who were returned after violating their parole.

“At the end of the day, we need to make sure we’re paroling the right people that are suitable for rehabilitation and are not a risk for recidivism, and not paroling people so quickly that we are we lose the credibility in the criminal justice system because we have a catch and release policy,” Bailey said.

He declined to predict whether the task force would result in more people behind bars.

“What you would find out as you look at incarceration rates across the state of Missouri, both at the local and state level, is that they’ve plummeted in the past few years,” Bailey said. “It’s not about locking everyone up. It’s about locking up the bad guys.”

<h2>Kehoe’s executive orders will position Missouri ‘to assist with immigration enforcement when called upon by President Trump’s administration,’ said Attorney General Andrew Bailey</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Task forces to arrest people with outstanding warrants and immigration enforcement training for the Missouri State Highway Patrol are among the actions Gov. Mike Kehoe ordered Monday as part of a program to combat crime in Missouri.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Securing Missouri’s future begins with public safety. Today, as my first official act as governor, I signed six executive orders and officially launched our comprehensive Safer Missouri public safety initiative. In the coming weeks, months, and years, my administration will be… <a href="https://t.co/bdZjUJWrFP">pic.twitter.com/bdZjUJWrFP</a>&mdash; Governor Mike Kehoe (@GovMikeKehoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovMikeKehoe/status/1878934765291667500?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kehoe made controlling crime a centerpiece of his campaign for governor, and he signed the executive orders just minutes after&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/13/new-missouri-governor-focuses-on-crime-education-tax-cuts-in-inaugural-address/">taking the oath of office</a>&nbsp;for his four-year term. As he introduced the proposals, he said his package would have two more phases — legislation filed in the General Assembly and proposals he will unveil Jan. 28 when he delivers the annual State of the State address.Flanked by Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who began his first full term in office Monday, and several top police officials, Kehoe said he wanted to address crime immediately.“We’ve said for months that we were going to work very hard putting this together,” Kehoe said,“and I just wanted to get some things moving as quickly as we could.”&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/library/reference/orders/2025" target="_blank">six orders signed Monday</a>&nbsp;will:<ul>
 <li>Authorize the creation of regional teams to serve outstanding arrest warrants in a program called “Operation Relentless Pursuit.”</li><li>Create a “Blue Shield” community recognition program for cities and counties that work to make law enforcement effective through increased budgets and community policing programs, among other criteria.</li><li>Send selected troopers from the Missouri Highway Patrol to federal immigration enforcement training&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ice.gov/identify-and-arrest/287g" target="_blank">under the 287-G program</a>&nbsp;established in 1996.</li><li>Require law enforcement to include the immigration status of individuals in arrest reports for inclusion in the statewide reporting system.</li><li>Shorten the period of time for highway patrol troopers to reach the top of their pay grade to 12 years from 15 years.</li><li>Require the Department of Corrections to assemble a working group to examine rules for probation and parole to allow offenders with drug or other problems to seek treatment while incarcerating people who are repeat or violent offenders.</li>
 </ul>Kehoe, citing demands on his time for post-inauguration activities, declined to answer questions about his actions, leaving those duties to Bailey.The action on outstanding warrants, Bailey said, is intended to bring 17,600 wanted for felonies people into court.&nbsp;“No longer will we wait until they are caught in a traffic stop, no longer will wait until they appear,” Bailey said. Now the state will be using its resources to coordinate with the locals to go after these individuals that are fleeing from justice.”Incoming President Donald Trump has promised an immense crackdown on immigration, including&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/23/trump-promises-mass-deportations-of-undocumented-people-how-would-that-work/">deportation of all undocumented people</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. The two orders dealing with immigration would position Missouri “to assist with immigration enforcement when called upon by President Trump’s administration,” Bailey said.The state experienced 1,300 fentanyl overdose deaths in 2024 and 1,100 cases of human trafficking, which Bailey said are both tied to undocumented immigrants to the state.“Being at the crossroads of the nation with an extensive interstate system has made us prone to drug and human trafficking,” Bailey said.The task force on probation and parole issues will look at whether offenders who should not be released are being set free and how to address personal problems that lead to crime, Bailey said.During 2023, the most recent year with a full report on&nbsp;<a href="https://doc.mo.gov/media/pdf/offender-profile-fy23" target="_blank">incarcerated and supervised</a>&nbsp;offenders, Missouri had a prison population of 23,595 and more than 52,000 people on probation or parole.During the year, the department released 2,644 people on probation and 8,050 on parole. The department received 4,811 people who had their probation revoked and another 4,264 who were returned after violating their parole.“At the end of the day, we need to make sure we’re paroling the right people that are suitable for rehabilitation and are not a risk for recidivism, and not paroling people so quickly that we are we lose the credibility in the criminal justice system because we have a catch and release policy,” Bailey said.He declined to predict whether the task force would result in more people behind bars.“What you would find out as you look at incarceration rates across the state of Missouri, both at the local and state level, is that they’ve plummeted in the past few years,” Bailey said. “It’s not about locking everyone up. It’s about locking up the bad guys.”

Mo. Gov. issues orders to track undocumented migrants, boost trooper pay

St. Joseph Museums is hosting two new events in February, providing a different kind of date night opportunity for Valentines Day.  

Executive Director Sara Wilson says February 8th the Glore Psychiatric Museum will host a night of forensic investigation 

"That is where you can bring your loved one, or your gal pal, or whoever it is you want to spend Valentines Day with and actually get a replica human skull that has suffered some form of trauma, and you get to learn how to be a forensic anthropologist, and study that skull and see how that person became unalived," Wilson tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr.  

The event is part of a series during February titled "Nothing Says Love Like Murder!"  

Wilson says this event is sold out; however, they do plan on hosting another one this spring.  Interested parties can call the St. Joseph Museums offices to get on a waitlist. 

The event series will also feature event on February 14th at the historic St. Joseph’s State Lunatic Asylum No. 2, 

Wilson says the event on Valentines Day will be an interactive game. 

"That is where you will meet nurse Audre Hill, who was an actual nurse at the state hospital, and get to solve the murder of Dr. Harlow Mills, who was a doctor at the state hospital," Wilson explains.  "You'll learn a little about the history of St. Joseph State Hospital and have fun while you do it." 

Wilson says the game is very similar to the board game Clue 

"You get to go throughout the museum and find clues and at the end you'll get to guess who you think was the murderer, and with what weapon, and where at," Wilson says.  "And so, it's very, very fun, you get to play on your cell phones, you get actual physical clues throughout the museum, but you also get videos that you get to watch that will help walk you through the story." 

Tickets to the event are $35 per person or $60 per couple and can be purchased online by clicking <a href="https://www.stjosephmuseum.org/events?fbclid=IwY2xjawHyNwJleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHRCi7B0Gx1ma3R7Uu9lW8iIuFm9OFpxQ9ZF1shpNK3IY27Okb4WlpYX3yA_aem_4YbfDhhC4nEWYcRazfioEw">HERE</a>.

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post St. Joseph Museums is hosting two new events in February, providing a different kind of date night opportunity for Valentines Day. Executive Director Sara Wilson says February 8th the Glore Psychiatric Museum will host a night of forensic investigation "That is where you can bring your loved one, or your gal pal, or whoever it is you want to spend Valentines Day with and actually get a replica human skull that has suffered some form of trauma, and you get to learn how to be a forensic anthropologist, and study that skull and see how that person became unalived," Wilson tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. The event is part of a series during February titled "Nothing Says Love Like Murder!" Wilson says this event is sold out; however, they do plan on hosting another one this spring. Interested parties can call the St. Joseph Museums offices to get on a waitlist. The event series will also feature event on February 14th at the historic St. Joseph’s State Lunatic Asylum No. 2, Wilson says the event on Valentines Day will be an interactive game. "That is where you will meet nurse Audre Hill, who was an actual nurse at the state hospital, and get to solve the murder of Dr. Harlow Mills, who was a doctor at the state hospital," Wilson explains. "You'll learn a little about the history of St. Joseph State Hospital and have fun while you do it." Wilson says the game is very similar to the board game Clue "You get to go throughout the museum and find clues and at the end you'll get to guess who you think was the murderer, and with what weapon, and where at," Wilson says. "And so, it's very, very fun, you get to play on your cell phones, you get actual physical clues throughout the museum, but you also get videos that you get to watch that will help walk you through the story." Tickets to the event are $35 per person or $60 per couple and can be purchased online by clicking <a href="https://www.stjosephmuseum.org/events?fbclid=IwY2xjawHyNwJleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHRCi7B0Gx1ma3R7Uu9lW8iIuFm9OFpxQ9ZF1shpNK3IY27Okb4WlpYX3yA_aem_4YbfDhhC4nEWYcRazfioEw">HERE</a>.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgloremuseum%2Fvideos%2F1655038485420909%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

St. Joseph Museums present 'Nothing Says Love Like Murder' 

St. Joseph has benefitted from the reinstatement
of the state tax credit for making movies in Missouri.

St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau
spokesman, Christian Mengel, says St. Joseph has attempted to be very open to
film production crews.

“Even though that this was a statewide thing, I
don’t think every community really saw it as an actual option or potential for
themselves,” Mengel tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline, “because I think
so many cities and towns, specifically of smaller destinations, when they hear,
oh film tax credit, they probably think oh that means Kansas City and St. Louis
are going to get all this business.”

A production crew wrapped up about three weeks in
both St. Joseph and Savannah for a Christmas-based mystery rom-com that
incorporates a lot of local flavor.

Mengel says the producer took an extra step to make
the film represent the area more accurately.

“They sent the script writer to basically say,
hey, if you’re inspired by anything in particular that fits this location, write
it into the script,” Mengel says. “And so, Savannah and St. Joseph basically kind
of got written into the script on the front end rather than trying to make the
place match what already existed on paper.”

Mengel says producers who read the fine print of
the state tax incentive legislation understand they can get an even bigger tax
break from Missouri if they move outside Kansas City and St. Louis and if they
produce something in an under-served area, such as Savannah.

“It’s considered an under-served community in the
grand scheme of the state,” Mengel says. “Andrew County is not Jackson County
in any listings in that sense. Not only that, when the film makers looked at
Savannah, it’s so much more affordable and accessible and I guess you’d just say
friendly, because you have that small town feel. Where if they’re in Kansas
City, they’re just another movie production that’s just in the area.”

It is a big deal for this area, though, according
to Mengel.

That fine print in the state film tax credit
provides a 5% boost for filming in rural Missouri, 5% extra if the production
office is located in an under-served area, and 5% if the production team hires
local talent.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph has benefitted from the reinstatement
of the state tax credit for making movies in Missouri.St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau
spokesman, Christian Mengel, says St. Joseph has attempted to be very open to
film production crews.“Even though that this was a statewide thing, I
don’t think every community really saw it as an actual option or potential for
themselves,” Mengel tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline, “because I think
so many cities and towns, specifically of smaller destinations, when they hear,
oh film tax credit, they probably think oh that means Kansas City and St. Louis
are going to get all this business.”A production crew wrapped up about three weeks in
both St. Joseph and Savannah for a Christmas-based mystery rom-com that
incorporates a lot of local flavor.Mengel says the producer took an extra step to make
the film represent the area more accurately.“They sent the script writer to basically say,
hey, if you’re inspired by anything in particular that fits this location, write
it into the script,” Mengel says. “And so, Savannah and St. Joseph basically kind
of got written into the script on the front end rather than trying to make the
place match what already existed on paper.”Mengel says producers who read the fine print of
the state tax incentive legislation understand they can get an even bigger tax
break from Missouri if they move outside Kansas City and St. Louis and if they
produce something in an under-served area, such as Savannah.“It’s considered an under-served community in the
grand scheme of the state,” Mengel says. “Andrew County is not Jackson County
in any listings in that sense. Not only that, when the film makers looked at
Savannah, it’s so much more affordable and accessible and I guess you’d just say
friendly, because you have that small town feel. Where if they’re in Kansas
City, they’re just another movie production that’s just in the area.”It is a big deal for this area, though, according
to Mengel.That fine print in the state film tax credit
provides a 5% boost for filming in rural Missouri, 5% extra if the production
office is located in an under-served area, and 5% if the production team hires
local talent.Mengel estimates 60% of the Christmas rom com was
shot in Savannah with the remaining 40% shot in St. Joseph. The movie has a
working title of “A Christmystery.” Producers now will attempt to sell the film
to streaming services such as Hallmark or Netflix.The movie shot in December came on the heels of
another production shot in St. Joseph this past summer. It also will be shopped
around to various streaming services.The Missouri legislature allowed the state film
tax credit to expire. When lawmakers saw movies with a Missouri theme, such as
Ozark, shot in other states, they voted to reinstate the incentive.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Local